Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and was formerly referred to as juvenile onset diabetes because it is often developed in children or young adults.

Diabetes is actually 2 diseases. Both of them result in high blood glucose, but the causes are different. If your body cannot produce enough insulin, it is referred to as type 2 diabetes. Type one diabetes is when the body cannot produce insulin at all. Without insulin or sufficient insulin, sugar build up in blood can damage organs, nerves and blood vessels.

Problems Caused by Type 1 Diabetes

The causes of type one diabetes are not fully understood. It is complex but it is thought that the disease is inherited or genetic. Some researchers believe that the genetic predisposition may remain dormant until it is activated by some environmental triggers like virus.

Type one diabetes is a very dangerous disease if we do not treat it properly. Patients with the disease are more likely to have heart disease, high blood pressure, nerve damage, blindness, kidney failure, gum disease and stroke. These happen 2 to 4 times more than people without the disease. They also have high risk of amputation. This happens when blood moves not well through legs and feet. Too high blood sugar can also make a person go into a coma and die.

What to Eat?

It is recommended that people with the disease should eat low fat, low salt and low sugar. Balance diet is very important. In addition to controlling your blood sugar, you should also control your blood pressure and cholesterol. Therefore you need lots of complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. Complex carbohydrates can be found in foods like cereal and whole grain bread.

Many people with the disease take insulin, usually before meal and bedtime. You should consult your doctor to see what is best for you. You still can have a healthy and normal life if have proper treatments and do all to control the disease.

The information on this website is not intended as medical advices or diagnosis. You should consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concern.
Copyright @ 2008 Nutrition for Diabetes